Piney Creek Watershed Structure Y-38-35 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

Located in Yazoo, Mississippi, the Piney Creek Watershed Structure Y-38-35 Dam, also known as Fouche 16th Section Lake, was completed in 1968 by the USDA NRCS to serve as a flood risk reduction measure along the TR- Piney Creek river.


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Summary

This earth-type dam stands at a height of 32 feet and has a storage capacity of 447 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regulated by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and undergoes state inspections and enforcement.

The primary purpose of the Piney Creek Watershed Structure Y-38-35 Dam is flood risk reduction, and it is primarily owned and operated by local government agencies. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a buttress core type and soil foundation. While the dam has not been rated for its current condition, it is considered to have a moderate risk level. With its location in the Vicksburg District and a drainage area of 1.27 square miles, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will be intrigued by the Piney Creek Watershed Structure Y-38-35 Dam's role in the local ecosystem and its impact on flood control in Yazoo, Mississippi. With its historical significance dating back to the late 1960s, this dam serves as a testament to the collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies in safeguarding communities from the potential devastation of flooding events. As a regulated structure with a moderate risk assessment, the dam represents a vital piece of infrastructure that requires ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued effectiveness in protecting the surrounding area from flood-related hazards.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

TR- PINEY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

1.27

Nid Storage

447

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

32
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.